The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 in recognition that small business is critical to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

SBA exporting finance programs

Most U.S. banks view loans for exporters as risky. This makes it harder for you to get loans for things like day-to-day operations, advance orders with suppliers, and refinancing existing debts. That’s why the SBA created programs to provide lenders with up to a 90 percent guaranty on export loans.

The three main SBA export finance programs are:

1. Export Express loan

Export Express lenders can directly underwrite a loan without getting prior approval from the SBA, which allows you to get capital quickly. Loans are typically approved within 36 hours, and can be up to $500,000.

2. Export Working Capital loan

Export Working Capital loans allow small business owners to apply for loans in advance of finalizing an export sale or contract, giving exporters greater flexibility in negotiating export payment terms. These loans can be up to $5 million, and the turnaround time is usually five to 10 business days.

3. International Trade Loan

International Trade loans help small businesses enter international markets and make investments to compete with other importers. These loans offer a combination of fixed asset, working capital financing, and debt refinancing with the SBA’s maximum guaranty of 90 percent on the total loan amount. The maximum loan is $5 million in total financing.